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Climate Change andWhat it Means to New YorkBy Jan Blaire

WESTCHESTERENVIRONMENT V

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

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What’s Heating Up Across New YorkBy Alicia Molloy and Steven J. Levy

Don’t Frack New YorkBy Oreon Sandler, P.E.

Temperatures have been rising over the last century; as a result, sea levels have been rising. Since we live in an area that has the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and the Hudson River we are very vulnerable to flooding.

There have been numerous studies done, as early as 1988 , reg ard ing c l imate change and the environment.   One of the most recent studies has been done by the NY Academy of Science.    This study stresses the wide range of vulnerabilities to New York from the changing climate. Continued on Page 6

“Fracking” has become a shortened name for drilling to extract shale gas from long horizontal laterals at significant depths using high-pressure, high volume water (hydraulic) methods to get the material removed from shale in the earth. Drilling vertically is not new. What threatens our future with this new fracking process is the horizontal drilling, after reaching points so far below the earth’s surface and the large quantities of water laced with secret chemicals used to blast shale gas loose from within the shale that encapsulates it. The full name of this process is horizontal high volume hydraulic drilling.

You may have seen or heard of a new product 'BioHeat®' that some companies and the National Biodiesel Board have been advertising recently. However, many people do not know what this up-and-coming product is and why it has the potential to have real environmental impact. BioHeat® is heating oil blended with renewable biodiesel. To be called BioHeat®, heating oil must contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. BioHeat® is an energy source that provides a cleaner, and more energy efficient burn than regular heating oil. Biodiesel is produced domestically from agricultural and recycled resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

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Also in this issues

Annual Report•Page 2•

List of Supporters•Page 4•

Member Organizations and Partners•Page 5•

Eagle Fest•Page 6•

Waste in Westchester•Page 8•

Federation Members Meet Legislators•Page 9•

Meet the President•Page 10•

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By Jason Klein, President

This report highlights a few of our new and continuing efforts during 2012 towards a greener and more sustainable Westchester.

Education, Advocacy, and Meetings:

FCWC’s Annual Meeting was held in June at the beautiful Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary. The Board voted in new president Jason Klein, and vice president Carole Griffiths. Steven J. Levy was appointed President Emeritus. Retiring state senator Honorable Suzi Oppenheimer and Journal News environmental reporter Greg Clary were honored with FCWC’s Green Seal awards for their outstanding environmental work throughout their careers. The White Plains Youth Bureau's Greening Project was awarded the Edith G. Read award for their inspiring work to green both their city and the county.

The Federation Meeting in May brought together our member organizations to network and share resources. The keynote speaker, Westchester Community Foundation’s Executive Director Catherine Marsh, gave an overview about the financial state of non-profits throughout the county, and provided tips for fundraising. About 20 of our member organizations were represented. In the Fall, FCWC organized a meeting bringing together Federation members and the Environment and Energy Committee of the Board of Legislators to discuss the environmental concerns throughout the county.

Education:

FCWC once again participated in the Teatown’s EagleFest, and enjoyed a beautiful day providing information about Westchester's Environment..FCWC also had information tables at the Sustainable Scarsdale Day, Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary's Fall Festival, and Tarrytown's Harvest Fest. FCWC continued to co-sponsor the Conversations on Conservation programs, which included topics on managing community forests, invasive vines, and the current waste situation in Westchester County.

In March, FCWC co-sponsored a forum with Pace Center for Environmental Legal Studies at Pace Law School entitled “Sustainability: How to Get There.”This program highlighted nine sustainability initiatives across the County involving universities, religious

institutions, community coalitions, businesses, and residences. In April FCWC co-sponsored, in conjunction with White Plains Earth Week and New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, several events focused on electric cars. The documentary "Revenge of the Electric Car" was screened, and was followed by a panel discussion and reception with White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Chris Paine (director of the film), and John Shipman of ConEd. As part of the Sustain White Plains Earth Day event, FCWC organized an electric vehicle showcase with a number of electric vehicles available for attendees to experience. Alternative vehicle fuel education was further highlighted with a workshop titled, "From Waste to Wheels: Turning Organic Wastes into Vehicle Fuel," co-sponsored with the Pace Energy and Climate Center and Energy Vision and others.

Finally in April, FCWC also co-sponsored the African A m e r i c a n M e n o f We s t c h e s t e r ’ s A n n u a l Environmental Luncheon that included a discussion on fracking covering both pro and con arguments.                                              Policy:

FCWC participated in a consortium of environmental organizations that provided wording for legislation banning fracking waste in Westchester County. Additionally, FCWC board members participated on three different working groups for the Mid Hudson Regional Sustainability Plan: Water; Transportation landuse and liveable communities;   and   agriculture  and  foodsheds.

Communications:

During the past year, FCWC has increased its reach with a variety of different communications. In January of 2012, the first ever digital Westchester Environment was released including significant environmental topics throughout Westchester. The E-News continues to be published monthly and a new twitter account was created to keep members and the community up-to-date on issues and events. A series of blog posts was created on our website entitled 'Westchester Going Green' that features environmental aspects of municipalities throughout the County. In addition to help spread the word about events that FCWC’s member organizations are hosting, we have created a 'Federation Calendar' on our website that advertises these events.

FCWC 2012 Annual Report

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Advocacy:

FCWC continued to advocate for a ban on hydrofracking in New York State.

We supported legislation to ban fracking waste from being accepted into Westchester County’s sewage treatment plans or used as de-icer on our roads.

FCWC rallied our member organizations and gave testimony again to oppose the defunding of several parks Curator positions in the proposed 2013 Westchester County budget.

FCWC wrote letters in support of the open space and public access components of Echo Bay development in New Rochelle and of the proposed strengthened Rye Tree Ordinance.

FCWC encouraged Governor Cuomo to make a public commitment to find funding for mass transit for the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

FCWC voiced support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund provision included in the Senate-passed Transportation Bill.

Looking Ahead in 2013:

FCWC's work is critical in bringing together diverse interests and moving the County's environmental agenda forward. FCWC continues to be a leader in educating citizens about environmental issues, problems, and solutions. 2013 will see a strengthening of the Federation by bringing together every member and member organization using meetings, seminars, conferences, our online FCWC E-News and social media.

In 2013 FCWC will continue to fight for mass transit on the Tappan Zee Bridge; continue to support Westchester County Parks and Long Island Sound water quality projects; and, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we will increase our advocacy for sound decision making focused on climate change and sea level rise. FCWC is eager to continue to meet environmental challenges in Westchester County, but we need your support. Please consider joining FCWC with a gift donation, any denomination helps. FCWC needs your help in preserving our environment and working towards sustainability in Westchester.

*If you would like to receive a stand alone version of the 2012 Annual Report, please contact the office at fcwc@fcwc.org.*

2012 FCWC BoardPresidentJason Klein

Vice PresidentCarole Griffiths

Co-SecretariesRobert CarrollAngele Dixon

Co-TreasurersCarolyn Cunningham

Larry O’Connell

President EmeritusSteven J. Levy

MembersJan BlaireHerb Fox

Robert FunicelloMaureen MorganLarry O’ConnellSharon PickettOreon Sandler

Mindy Swope QuinteroNortrud SperoRick Turner

Program DirectorAlicia Molloy

We also want to thank our wonderful interns who have provided significant contributions to our organization over the past year. Alex Santa is a graduate student at Por tland State University and interned with us in the summer of 2012. Ryan Rafferty is a senior at SUNY Stony Brook and is currently interning with us.

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We gratefully thank our many individual and organizational members and donors for their support. This issue of Westchester Environment can be found on our website: www.FCWC.org.

Conservationists Circle$1,000 and above

The Paul Mazzilli and Sharon Pickett Family Fund Ruth and Seymour Klein Foundation, Inc.Ms. Nortrud Spero

Preservationists$250-$500

Mr. Robert FunicelloMs. Judith MartinMs. Katharine MooreMr. Larry O’ConnellMr. NicolasRobinsonHon. Nancy SeligsonSlyvia & Robert Scher Charitable Foundation

Benefactors $100-200

Ms. Cintra BadenhausenMs. Alison BeallMs. Jan Blaire Hon. Noam Bramson Mr. Robert CarrollMs. Lena CrandallMs. Carolyn CunninghamMs. Angele DixonMr. Nicholas EverettMr. Louis FinkelsteinMs. Lori FontanesMr. & Mrs. Arthur FredstonMs. Heather GersonMs. Sara GoddardMs. Carole GriffithsHon. & Mrs. Peter Harckham

Ms. Anne Jaffe HolmesMs. Patricia KeeseeMr. & Mrs. Gerald KolbertMr. & Mrs. Jules KrollMr. & Mrs. Steven J. LevyMr. & Mrs. Douglas McKeigeMs. Sandy MorrisseyMs. Jane PearlMr. & Mrs. William RobertsHon. Martin RogowskyMs. Marian RoseMr. & Mrs. Warren RossMs. Polly RothsteinMr. Oreon SandlerMs. Barbara SmithMs. Carolyn SummersMr. & Mrs. Alex SussmanMr. Robert TritschMr. Frederick TurnerMs. Irna VolkMr. John Voulgaris & Ms. Andrea JurgrauMs. Phyllis Wittner

FriendsUnder $100

Ms. Jacqueline BruskinMr. David Bryan Ms. Barbara Clapman Ms. Mary Davis Ms. Mary DiBernardo Mr. J. Michael Divney Dr. Lee EhrmanMr. & Mrs. Peter Eschweiler Hon. Drew Fixell & Ms. Victoria Hudson Hon. Sandra Galef Ms. Celeste Anne Goethe Ms. Susan Goodwin Mr. Christopher Hale Mr. Jonathan Hale Ms. Janet Jaidi Ms. Terry Joshi Ms. Marcia KapilowMr. Eric Kiviat Mr. Ronald Knudsen & Ms. Sharon Heller

Mr. & Mrs.William LawyerMr. Eugene Lebwohl Mr. & Mrs. Armand Lerner Ms. Dorothy Leslie Ms. Michele Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lewis Ms. Gloria Lewit Ms. Cheryl LewyMr. Douglas MaassMs. Katherine McLoughlin Ms. Carol McMillan Ms. Angela Hart MorrisMs. Eda NewhouseMs. Sally OdlandMs. P. Lynn OlivaHon. Suzi Oppenheimer Ms. Nina Orville Mr. Drew PankoMr. David Parsons Mr. Robert Pearson Mr. Joseph Potenza Mr. & Mrs. Richard Presser Mr. Larry Provost Ms. Elisabeth Radow Ms. Elizabeth Roach Ms. Emma Lou Sailors Mr. & Mrs. Scott Sandler Mr. Roger Savitt Mr. & Mrs. Maurio Sax Ms. Marilee Scheueman Mr. Peter Seeley & Ms. Miriam PoppMs. Norma Silva Mr. Robert SitarMs. Ruth Slater Ms. Elizabeth Sluder Mr. Martin Smolin Mr. Frank Stern Mr. & Mrs. Oliver SwiftMr. Steven Tilly Ms. Nancy Vincent Ms. Judith Widmann Ms. Judith Wine

FCWC Thanks our 2012 Supporters

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Bedford Audubon SocietyBedford Garden ClubBike Walk Alliance of Westchester and PutnamBronx River Parkway Reservation ConservancyBronx River Sound Shore Audubon SocietyCitizen’s Campaign for EnvironmentCortlandt WATCHCroton Arboretum & Sanctuary, Inc.Croton Watershed Clean Water CoalitionEnvironmental Advocacy Group of RyeFriends of Edith G. Read Wildlife SanctuaryFriends of Hilltop Hanover FarmFriends of Marshlands, Inc.Friends of Rye Nature CenterFriends of Trailside Nature CenterGarden Club of IrvingtonGrassroots Environmental EducationGreen Acres Garden ClubGreenburgh Nature CenterGroundwork Hudson ValleyHands Across the BorderHudsonia LimitedHudson River Valley Environmental Education InstituteJay Heritage CenterLouis Calder Center of Fordham UniversityNative Plant CenterPace Law Center for Environmental Legal StudiesPurchase Environmental Protective AssociationRusticus Garden ClubRye Garden ClubSaw Mill River AudubonSheldrake Environmental CenterStewards of Cranberry LakeTarrytown Environmental Advisory CouncilTeatown Lake Reservation. Inc.The Garden Club of LarchmontTri-State Transportation CampaignWatershed Agricultural CenterWestchester Land TrustYonkers Environmental CoalitionYonkers Land Conservancy

We wish to apologize for any mistakes or omissions we have made in recognizing our supporters. Please let us know of any corrections.You may also find our list of supporters on our website: www.FCWC.org.

Member Organizations and Partners

Become a Member!

Individual Membership( ) $20 Student/Senior( ) $35 Basic( ) $50 Contributing( ) $100 Sustaining( ) $250 Patron( ) $500+ Benefactor

Organizational Membership ( ) $50 Not for Profit (under 100 members)( ) $100 Not for Profit (over 100 members)( ) Other Amount $___________

Name:______________________

Address:___________________________________________________

Phone:_______________________

Email:_______________________

Please make your tax deductible checks payable to FCWC and mail to:

Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Inc.

E House ~ 78 North BroadwayWhite Plains, NY 10603.

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3Sea Level Rise Continued from Page 1

In 2007, the Sea Level Rise Task Force was created by the New York State Legislature, which delivered its final report on December 31, 2010. In addition, New York State has developed a Climate Adaptation Guidebook.    This state level assessment of climate change impacts is specifically geared to assist in the development of adaptation strategies.

The current climate stresses include extreme heat and heat waves, flooding, nor’easters, hurricanes, and droughts.   Most of us were affected by Hurricane Sandy and as a result many more people are now focused on Climate Change and Sea Level Rise.

The effects of warmer temperatures and rapid ice melt has increased the frequency of more severe storms.   As a result, communities in New York have been forming sustainability committees to deal with the issues that impact our environment.    Water quality, coastal zones, eco systems, agriculture, energy systems, transportation, telecommunications, and public health are all affected by major flooding caused by rising waters.   Resilient communities evaluate how climate change may affect them and take steps to counteract these impacts.

The New York State DEC Region 3 has been conducting meetings in various communities to discuss how to assess the community’s vulnerability vs. risks, and develop a local adaptation plan.

Climate Smart Communities have taken the pledge to combat climate change.   Municipalities will need to examine and revise regulatory mechanisms and land use policies such as zoning, setbacks, building codes, and incentives, taking climate change into account.

New flooed elevation maps have been released by FEMA.   Buildings that were never considered at risk before are now in the “A” Zone for potential flooding. Communities will have to rethink the way that waterfront property is developed.   The Hudson River Estuary Plan is also about to release new elevation maps for the Hudson River.  

For additional info regarding Climate Change, the following websites provide information:NYSERDA Adaptation AssessmentSea Level Rise Task ForceNYS DEC Hudson River EstuaryResponding to Climate Change in NY StateNYC Panel on Climate Change

FCWC to Again Participate in Eagle FestBy Carolyn Cunningham

This will be the 8th Annual Hudson River Eaglefest on Saturday, Febrary 9, 2013 from 9am-4pm (snow date February 10). We will “man” a table to distribute information on FCWC, our current issues and upcoming events, and meet and greet old and new members and other eagle viewers, This is great opportunity to view majestic bald eagles here in our Westchester backyard.

Teatown, FCWC, and a broad collaboration of sponsors and organizations unite to promote an environmentally healthy bald eagle population in the Hudson Valley. Attendees of EagleFest enjoy activities from guided and independent eagle viewing to raptor shows, bus tours, storytelling, children’s programs and activities, bird walks and additional eagle viewing at the Croton Boat Ramp, Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, George’s Island Park in Montrose, Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill and the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center in Sleepy Hollow, the

NewCroton Dam, Steamboat River Park in Verplanck, Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain, and Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton. For more information call Teatown at 914-762-2912 X110. Stop by our table and say hi!

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3Fracking continued from page 1

The threats are numerous, serious, and real. One of the most recent economic threats documented by a geologist is that the unfiltered domestic (drinking) water supply for New York City and Syracuse now supplied by their respective watersheds might not be saved. - the lateral drilling lengths could destroy the quality of the water in those reservoirs even if the drill pad occurs far away from the borders of these watersheds. The substantial cost to add new filtration to each of the existing water supply systems will probably be borne by the water users, the residents of these cities. This becomes a classic case of the corporate gas drillers making profit on the sale of the gas they extracted while the water users pay increased filtration cost for their water, another case of “private profits with social costs.”

There are many other threats “coming to light”: health of residents near drilling rigs, especially the children but also their animals, farms, and local food enterprises are at risk. Industrialization of rural America will occur. More climate change problems are recognized from this added fossil fuel use especially from natural gas escaping below and above ground. Natural gas escaping to the atmosphere is far more damaging than carbon dioxide to our climate problems.

The anti-fracking movement is growing. Groups from across the state are multiplying and mobilizing. A "State of the Fracking State" Rally held in Albany on January 9, 2013 was considered very successful. The negative response to new DEC regulations exceeded the 2012 volume by 4:1; this is no longer a s m a l l c l u s t e r o f r a d i c a l o r i r r a t i o n a l environmentalists. The growth of negative responses is directly related to the growing number of our population hurt by fracking or fearful of being hurt.

Some additional issues related to fracking and the fracking process that have made headlines recently include:

1. Escaping methane from fracking wells and distribution equipment exceeds projections; there seems to be no way to stop methane escaping through fissures in the earth from the hydraulic forces occurring.

2. Fracking waste from other states could be entering NYS: although Westchester has laws to prohibit this

from happening, there are indications that waste might still be buried in nearby landfills.

3. A national comprehensive energy policy has not been developed and promulgated – this encourages the fracking industries to mislead the public about safety without a politically approved national strategy.

4. Hospitalization of fracking employees has occurred in fracking areas; i.e., northern Pennsylvania on its border with New York State. This indicates that the growth in employment from the fracking industry may not be safe jobs.

5. Depleting another limited source of energy continues. No matter how many “experts” argue over the real quantity of shale gas available, we are still destroying earth‘s assets. Using this fossil fuel source of energy only delays the realistic development of renewable energies.

6. And (not finally) though many promote the use of “cleaner burning “ natural gas over coal, the production of carbon dioxide still occurs from its combustion.

Governor Cuomo is expected to make a decision about fracking in New York State by February 13th. He needs to hear all of your comments.

Here's what you can do to stop fracking in New York State:

*Visit  www.amillionfrackingletters.com  to write a letter to Governor Cuomo and have it hand-delivered to his office and the New York State DEC. You can also use the site to learn more about hydraulic fracturing from the many health and environmental groups linked there.

*Call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 or 212-681-4580 and tell him to protect our air, water, foodshed and public health from the hazards of hydrofracking.

*Contact your elected officials regularly urging them to support renewable energy development and cease subsidies for development and application of fossil fuels over legislation that involves the use of natural gas (methane) in heating, transportation and energy production.

*CONSERVE ENERGY through simple practices e.g. shutting lights, unplugging appliances. For more ideas, visit: www.nyserda.org

*Sign up for renewable energy with your utility provider increasing the demand for renewable energy and reducing the demand for fossil fuels.

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3 BioHeat continued from page 1This past fall, the City of New York took a bold step by mandating that all oil heat in NYC must be BioHeat®. This new legislation will annually replace 20 million gallons of petroleum with an equal volume of renewable, sustainable, domestically produced biodiesel. According to the National Biodiesel Board study, this action is the carbon equivalent of taking 30,000 cars off the road in New York City.

The American Lung Association was one of many prominent organizations that gave testimony at public hearings on the use of BioHeat® in NYC. They said, “The combustion of sulfur-laden home heating oil contributes significantly to the high ambient concentrations of ozone and fine particles found in New York State – particularly in New York City and all of the surrounding counties. To that end, we are strong advocates for the use of biodiesel in the home heating sector to address this significant source of pollution”.

Since passing in New York City, this legislation is now being considered in Albany to expand the city’s 2 percent biodiesel mandate to the entire state on July 1, 2013. You may be wondering if you could use BioHeat® in your own home. Homeowners do not have to make any modifications to their current burner or tank, or buy any new equipment to begin using BioHeat®. BioHeat® also produces the same kind of heat that you'd expect from regular heating oil, so we believe this is something all homeowners in Westchester can make the switch to. As a matter of fact, many heating oil wholesalers are already delivering BioHeat® blends up to 20%. As an added incentive for homeowners, the State of New York has in place a clean heating fuel tax credit. The tax credit allows consumers to receive a penny per gallon tax credit for all blends of BioHeat® up to $.20 per gallon for B20, making the cost of BioHeat® comparable to regular heating oil This year, FCWC will work to encourage Westchester County government to pursue a similar BioHeat® mandate for our county. If all of New York is required to switch over to BioHeat® shortly through a statewide mandate, Westchester County could already be there and could be another example for the rest of the state.

If you're interested in learning more about BioHeat®, or where you can purchase BioHeat®, visit Bioheatonline.com. For more information on biodiesel: biodiesel.org.

Reducing Waste in WestchesterA Report from the Conservation Café meeting on December 7, 2012.By Carole Griffiths

Westchester County government would like to reduce the amount of waste generated per person each day from 2.47 pounds to 0.6 pounds. To help do this, the Conservation Café focused its latest meeting on current efforts to reduce waste across the county.

Speakers for this meeting included Bill Lawyer, former FCWC President, who spoke on the history of waste in Westchester County. Marianne Petronella, Director of Re s ource s a t t he coun ty ’s De par tmen t o f Environmental Facilities, gave an update on the current waste in Westchester County and targets for reducing waste. Sara Goddard of the Rye Sustainability Committee, gave an overview of how her group implemented a plastic bag ban in Rye, and Patti Wood, director of Grassroots Environmental Education spoke on single use item/waste reduction in schools, government, businesses and homes and hyrdofracking waste. We want to share some of the new information presented at this program.

Hazardous and electronic wastes can now be accepted by a new county facility, the Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF), located on the Grasslands Campus; 15 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY. The H-MRF accepts household hazardous waste and other items worthy of special handling on a year-round, appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made at t h e f o l l o w i n g w e b s i t e : ( h t t p : / /environment.westchestergov.com/facilities/h-mrf/reservation-system) or by calling (914) 813-5425.

Hazardous waste is a problem; however, the biggest proportion of waste in Westchester County (30%) comes from organics. Marianne Petronella discussed the countywide efforts to reduce the amount of organic waste. One of the most successful efforts is the “Love 'em and leave 'em” program of mulching leaves in place, originally developed by the Irvington Green Policy Task Force. Information can be found on their website at www.leleny.org

The discussion of the problem of plastic bags revealed that recycling them is not very effective. Sarah Goddard discussed how she helped to implement a ban on plasticContinued on next page

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3 Federation Members Meet with Board of LegislatorsBy Alicia Molloy

Last November, FCWC Federation member organizations had a chance to meet with the Environment and Energy (EE) Committee of the Board of Legislators to discuss the current environmental topics of interest throughout the County. Member organizations represented included: Westchester Land Trust, Bedford Audubon, Friends of Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Yonkers Environmental Coalition, Friends of Rye Nature Center, Friends of Trailside Nature Center, Yonkers Green Policy Task Force, Yonkers Land Conservancy, Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon, Greenburgh Nature Center, Grassroots Environmental Education, along with several members of the FCWC Board.

Chairman of the EE committee, Michael Kaplowitz began the meeting by informing the Federation members of recent environmental legislation that has been passed by the county government, including bills to: provide funding for the rehabilitation at the Croton Landfill and to study the potential of a ‘Gas to Energy Program’; allow the Westchester County Department of Public Works to conduct a feasibility review to determine the cost effectiveness, viable application, and efficiency of alternative energy generation on County-owned facilities; relieve individuals who install solar energy devices from needing to hold a home improvement license, which would allow for quicker installation of solar panels, and ban hydro-fracking waste from being accepted into sewage treatment plants or being used as road de-icer across the County.

The Federation members then had an opportunity to let the members of the EE committee know what their respective organizations are working on and concerned about. Many of the member organizations present spoke of their support of Westchester County Parks and nature centers, and their desire to keep these entities funded during the next budget session. Many other issues were brought up including open space protection, hydrofracking, clean water and watershed protection, clean air, sea level rise and climate change, retrofitting and managing sewage treatment plants, reduction of waste, advocacy through education, food security, alternative transportation options, recreational opportunities throughout the county, sustainable development and

reduction of emissions in both residential, municipal, and transportation sectors of Westchester County.

We want to thank our member organizations for taking on the important work that they are doing to keep Westchester County a great place to work, live, and play. We hope that meetings such as this one will encourage County government to reach out to the environmental community for ideas on what actions they should be taking, and for support for legislation that they would like to pass.

*This article is also included in our 2012 Annual Report.*

Waste continued from page 8bags, in Rye. The Rye Sustainability Committee gave presentations to the city council, met with members of the chamber of commerce, visited stores and had merchants sign pledges, and developed a FAQ sheet, along with educating the public at the same time. The effort was successful and Rye instituted the ban in the Fall of 2011.  To alleviate any possible fears of merchants going forward, no adverse economic effects have been found so far.

Breaking news! The Village of Mamaroneck has also enacted a law banning plastic bags following Rye’s example. It will go into effect March 31, 2013. This makes Mamaroneck the second municipality in Westchester to enact such a ban.

Upcoming Event

The next Federation Meeting to bring together FCWC’s

member organizations will take place in early May. Information will follow.

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3

By Jason Klein

At the annual meeting in June, 2012 I was honored to become the next President of the Board of the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County. Having lived nearly my entire life in Westchester, and currently raising a family in the County, I feel a strong bond to this area and am therefore very interested in the environmental aspects and sustainability of Westchester’s natural resources.

After graduating from Colby College in 1997, I returned to Westchester and, after working for area environmental organizations, began working in 1998 for the Westchester County Department o f Pa rk s , Re c re a t i o n , a n d Conservation as a naturalist at Trailside Museum located within Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. In 2001, I became the Curator at Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. In this capacity I was lucky to be able to meet and work with Edith Read, who was

also a founding member of FCWC and for whom an annual award given by FCWC is named. In 2009, I returned to Trailside Museum where I am currently the Curator.

Through my employment with Westchester County I have been able to meet many of the repre sentat ive s o f FCWC’s member organizations and have been involved with Westchester County’s environmental initiatives. While working with one such member organization in Rye dur ing my tenure at Read Sanctuary, I became familiar with FCWC and its mission. It was soon after this that I joined the board of directors, very excited to be part of an organization with such a l ong t rad i t i on and admirable goals. As I have become more involved with FCWC my appreciation has grown for what the organization can offer to aid in the overall environmental health for Westchester County and

therefore the quality of life for Westchester’s residents.

It is with this in mind that I take on the role as President of the Board; to help move FCWC toward achieving its goals of sustainability in Westchester and toward helping better represent the member organizations and their admirable missions and goals. I appreciate the board’s confidence in me and look forward to collaborations among the Federation and to helping move environmental issues forward in Westchester County as a whole.

Meet the President

Are you a Westchester County resident who is environmentally conscious and would like to learn more about current issues facing the County? Are you an active person who would like to meet other like-minded people in an outdoor setting?

Do you want to lend your hand helping clean up and protect our environment? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then we have a one-stop spot where you can find events that fit all environmental interests and awareness levels.

Last summer, in order to help spread the word about environmental events throughout the County, we created a 'Federation Calendar' on our website to help advertise

events our member organizations are hosting. You can find the Federation Calendar by visiting www.fcwc.org/events.

While we feel this is a great resource that Westchester County residents can go to, it can also be a helpful tool for environmental organizations to better schedule their programming to avoid days that already have a lot of competition from other programs.

We would appreciate your help in spreading the word about our Federation Calendar and filling up events on the Calendar. Send all of your environmental events and activities to fcwc@fcwc.org. We thank you!

What’s Going on in Westchester County? Find out with our new Federation Calendar

* This article is also included in the 2012 Annual Report*